What's eating my begonia 'black fang'?

Begonia 'Black Fang', a rex-type with near-black foliage, is most vulnerable to spider mites, whose stippling damage is paradoxically harder to see on dark leaves until infestations are advanced. Mealybugs and thrips are also common indoor threats. Inspect leaf undersides regularly under good light — do not rely on visual cues from the top surface.

Pale stippling on undersides of dark leaves; thin webbing and premature leaf drop in severe cases Increase humidity, rinse foliage, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for at least 3 weeks

White cottony masses at stem nodes and leaf axils, sometimes hidden against dark petioles Dab clusters with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with weekly neem oil spray

Silvery or bronze streaks and scarring on leaves; distorted new growth; tiny dark frass specks Remove heavily damaged leaves; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly and isolate the plant